Of a certain age...

As I'm writing this, I'm looking at the next rung on the ladder knowing I have to take the next step tomorrow ... 71 ... 72.

OMG, how did this happen? A minute ago I was 22 and had my whole life in front of me. Now ... not so much. Somehow in my mind I'm still 22, but then I pass by a mirror and wonder who that gray-haired, wrinkled old lady is. It's scary, but I have to admit: It be me.

Always athletic - an avid water-skier, state-champion swimmer in high school, SCUBA diver - rarely got out of the water before I was 22. Roller skated all over Santa Monica and Venice Beach in the '70s. Discoed through the '80s. Otherwise it was just work, work, work - nose to the grindstone. Well, I raised three kids, too. Multitasking expert. Got all stiff and lethargic, fat and boring by the '00s. My get-up-and-go got up and went.

Somewhere along the way, I had the good sense to take up meditation and yoga, and started paying attention to my health and what I was putting into my body. Epiphany! I may be getting older but I don't have to feel old. It changed my mind.

I took up hiking and when that became too much for my feet and knees, I turned to biking and walking. I lost weight, lowered my blood pressure, cleared my brain fog - ready for the '10s in better shape.

Luckily I'm self-motivated, but I realize I don't live in a vacuum so I look for others my age, who want to make the last years the best years by staying active and engaged, and hang out with them.

When Kelly Sheets, adult program manager at Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD), put out a call to help her organize a program for active seniors, I jumped on-board. I saw this as an opportunity to meet the health and wellness needs of adults as we grapple with the changes that come with maturity. The aches and pains, the lumps and stones, and those senior moments can be mitigated by exercise, a healthy lifestyle and mental stimulation (Can you say SUDOKU?).

SAGE (Senior Activities, Gatherings & Enrichment) was created to be a meeting-place for men and women who want to expand their horizons, open their minds, learn new hobbies or crafts, and make new friends.

Meet up on Wednesdays between 1 and 4 p.m. and enjoy the company of like-minded people over boardgames, cards, chess, quilting, crafts or just conversation. Sign up for scheduled hikes, bike-rides, disk golf, walking and other outside activities. Some classes for small groups may be available on Wednesdays; larger groups will be accommodated by SPRD.

Anyone is welcome to teach a hobby or introduce a new game. This is for seniors by seniors, so let us know what you want and join in for the fun of it. I'm going to teach "Liar's Dice" (it's like poker, only with dice) in a couple weeks. To sign up call 541-549-2091. SPRD is at the west end of the SHS parking lot.